2021 Toyota Hilux: common problems and what to check

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Toyota Hiluxs than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Wipers1.8× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  7% All 2021 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.4% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Shock absorbers2.6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  4.5% All 2021 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Number plate lights4.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2.5% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Braking performance2.9× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2.3% All 2021 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Windscreen1.8× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  3.1% All 2021 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

By area

The share of 2021 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  17% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  17% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  11% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  7% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Driveshafts and joints
  1% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults

What Car? lists great reliability as a strength and reports no common faults. Check the load bed and underside for work or off-road damage.

Source: What Car?: used Toyota Hilux (2016 on) review